DENVER — When playoff season arrives, Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic finds his relaxation in an unexpected place: his backyard swimming pool.
The versatile big man traditionally opens his pool around this time each year, weather allowing, creating a peaceful retreat where he and his children can unwind. For Jokic, these quiet moments floating in the water provide the perfect mental break from the intense pressure of championship aspirations.
The Nuggets secured the third playoff position after winning 54 games this season and will square off against Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves in their opening playoff round beginning Saturday.
This campaign has been extraordinary for Jokic in terms of both performance and physical challenges.
From a statistical standpoint, Jokic accomplished something not seen in over five decades, becoming the first player since 1969-70 to top the league in both rebounds and assists per game. The only other player to achieve this feat was Wilt Chamberlain in 1967-68, though that was based on total numbers rather than averages.
From a health perspective, the three-time Most Valuable Player faced his first significant NBA injury when he hyperextended his left knee, forcing him to sit out 16 contests between late December and January. Denver managed a 10-6 record during his absence.
“It’s not a difficult year, but an inconsistent year, with the injuries, with the lineups, with everything,” Jokic said, having averaged a triple-double for the second consecutive season with 27.7 points, 12.9 rebounds and 10.7 assists. “We still managed to be one of the top teams. That’s something telling about this team, and the group that we have in the locker room. We definitely show ourselves that we can answer to anything, and hopefully we’re going find a way and in the playoffs when the moment is big.”
Denver approaches the postseason with tremendous momentum, having won 12 straight games. When asked about the streak, Jokic displayed his characteristic wit.
“It’s definitely better than a 12-game losing streak,” Jokic remarked. “When you’re playing well, everybody’s feeling good.”
The Serbian center recorded 34 triple-doubles across 65 games this season, including an unforgettable Christmas Day showcase against Minnesota when he exploded for 56 points, 16 rebounds and 15 assists in a 142-138 overtime victory.
“It’ll probably take a little bit of everything,” Timberwolves forward Julius Randle said regarding the challenge of defending Jokic. “Probably got to call God and talk to him for a little bit and ask him for a few favors. … He’s an incredible player. He does so much on the floor for that team.”
Standing 6-foot-11 and weighing 284 pounds, Jokic possesses the court vision of a point guard combined with unstoppable post moves and three-point shooting ability.
“He’s a joy to watch,” said San Antonio coach Mitch Johnson, whose squad could potentially meet Denver in the second round. “He’s just so unique in so many ways.”
Denver teammates emphasize they never take Jokic’s nightly excellence for granted. His 198 career triple-doubles rank second only to former teammate Russell Westbrook’s 209, while his 21 playoff triple-doubles trail just Magic Johnson (30) and LeBron James (28).
“Nothing has shocked me this year,” said teammate Christian Braun, who was a rookie during Denver’s 2023 championship run. “But that’s probably not the right way to say it. Everything (Jokic) does shocks me. Every time I watch him, he shocks me.”
The organization breathed a collective sigh of relief when doctors determined Jokic would miss only several weeks after his December 29 injury in Miami. The incident looked frightening as Jokic collapsed and clutched his knee after stepping on Spencer Jones’ foot.
Following his January 30 return, he’s missed just one additional game. This healthy stretch allowed him to reach the 65-game minimum required for major awards consideration.
“He’s in a great place,” Nuggets coach David Adelman said, “physically and mentally.”
Jokic’s signature trait remains his ability to elevate teammates’ performance, whether delivering passes to Cam Johnson on the perimeter, creating screens to free Jamal Murray for drives, or finding Aaron Gordon for open shots.
“We need everybody,” Jokic explained. “Everybody needs to step up.”
Coach Adelman remains baffled by the lack of MVP discussion surrounding his star player, with current betting favorites pointing toward Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
“I would say what stands out to me is how much he has not been talked about,” Adelman said. “I think it’s absolutely insane. I have no idea what the narrative is and why.”
Minnesota center Rudy Gobert has developed deep admiration for Jokic’s approach to the game.
“Whatever he does, he plays to win. He’s selfless,” Gobert said. “He’s just here to show up, help his team win and go home. I like that. I respect that.”
